The ATA Carnet is a temporary admission document which acts as a "PASSPORT FOR GOODS" for three main categories of goods:

commercial samples

goods for presentation or use at trade fairs, shows, exhibitions or similar events

professional equipment

Using a Carnet eliminates the need for a Custom declaration at border points and the deposit of a guarantee or bond in the country of temporary importation. It can be used for a trip covering more than one country and includes numerous exits and re-entries in the country of origin during the period of the validity of the document. This validity can never exceed one year. Temporary admission under cover of ATA carnets applies to goods, which will be re-exported in the same state in which they were imported.

A carnet may not be used for:

goods to be sold or hired out abroad for financial gain

perishable or consumable items (as they would not normally be re-exported)